Emerging from discussions around Last Child In The Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv, which addresses the implications that arise from children’s lack of engagement with nature, a group of five Pre-Primary faculty members developed a unique curriculum that reflects the Pre-Primary’s long-standing philosophy of promoting wonder, play and the exploration of the natural world as the seeds for a lifetime of joyful learning.

The goals of the Eco!Wonder curriculum are twofold: to foster a connection with the outdoor environment of the Lyman and Butler Campuses through exploration and experimentation and to promote sustainability through stewardship of our two campuses and the world at large.

In our Lyman Circle courtyard eco-laboratory, students explore and experiment. They observe, smell and enjoy the many flowers and plants that grow there, and learn the importance of plants to our earth's life cycle. An Observation Garden remains untouched, allowing nature to take its course. Children watch the processes over time and record their observations in a variety of ways.

Sustainability is highlighted in several ways. Rain water collected in barrels is recycled in the gardens, the solar fountain illustrates a form of alternate energy production, and our “Tumbleweed Composter”and classroom worm composters teach important lessons about decomposition.

Our "Healthy Snack Initiative" is an exciting new part of the Eco!Wonder curriculum and is designed to shape children's tastes and influence their lifelong eating habits.  The weekly snack menu is comprised of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy foods.  Once a week, each class follows a recipe, using several of these wholesome ingredients to make snack for themselves.